1. Clear Fallen Leaves
Regularly rake fallen leaves from lawns, paths and patios. A heavy covering of wet leaves can block light from your grass and make paths slippery.
Add healthy leaves to your compost heap or collect them separately to make leaf mould for the garden.
2. Look After Your Lawn
Give your lawn some TLC before winter arrives. Continue mowing while the grass is growing, gradually raising the cutting height as growth slows.
Rake away dead grass and thatch and aerate compacted areas with a garden fork to improve drainage. An autumn lawn feed can also help strengthen roots ahead of winter.
3. Tidy Beds and Borders
Remove weeds, fallen leaves and finished annual plants from flower beds and borders.
Cut back plants where needed, but avoid making the garden too tidy. Leaving some seed heads and stems provides valuable food and shelter for birds and insects during winter.
4. Mulch Your Garden
Autumn is a great time to spread compost, well-rotted organic matter or mulch around established plants and shrubs.
Mulching helps improve your soil, retain moisture and protect plant roots as temperatures begin to fall.
5. Plant Spring Bulbs
Get a head start on next year's garden by planting spring-flowering bulbs during autumn.
Daffodils, crocuses and other spring bulbs can be planted in beds, borders and containers, ready to bring some welcome colour to the garden next spring.
6. Get the Secateurs Out
Remove dead, damaged or diseased growth and lightly prune plants and shrubs where appropriate.
Different plants have different pruning requirements, so always check before cutting them back. Keep your secateurs clean and sharp to make the job easier and protect your plants.
7. Clean Paths, Patios and Decking
Wet Irish autumn weather can quickly leave outdoor surfaces dirty and slippery.
Regularly sweep away leaves and debris and give patios, paths and decking a good clean before winter. A stiff outdoor brush, suitable cleaner or pressure washer can make light work of the job.
8. Protect Garden Furniture
Clean and dry your garden furniture before storing or covering it for winter.
Use suitable weather-resistant furniture covers and bring cushions, parasols and other soft furnishings indoors to keep them clean and dry until spring.
9. Check Fences, Gates and Sheds
Prepare your garden for winter weather by checking fences, gates, sheds and other structures.
Repair loose panels, tighten fixings and make sure gates and shed doors close securely. It is much easier to deal with a small repair now than after a winter storm.
10. Help Your Garden Wildlife
Your garden can provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife during autumn and winter.
Keep bird feeders and bird baths clean and topped up. Leaving some seed heads, logs and less-manicured areas can also provide shelter for insects and other garden wildlife.
Get Your Garden Ready for Autumn
A little autumn garden maintenance can make a big difference over winter and give you a head start when spring arrives.
From lawn care and garden tools to cleaning, maintenance and garden storage, you’ll find everything you need to prepare your garden for autumn and winter at Topline Murtaghs.